7+ Colorado Hot Spring Weekend Escapes (Within Driving Distance of Denver and Breckenridge)
Colorado is one of the most beautiful and exciting states in the U.S.
Where else can you climb sand dunes, explore a dinosaur quarry, pay respects to the Ute Indians, and chill with gators in one day?
Sure, Colorado is known for its ski resort towns and tourist spots like the Rocky Mountain National Park.
But what if you want to try something a little different this weekend? What if you want to focus on relaxation and wellness?
Have you ever considered hot springs?
These natural geothermal mineral pools are good for the body, the mind, and — let’s face it — even the soul! They feel great and leave you rejuvenated.
What more can you ask on a weekend escape?
And while there are no actual Breckenridge hot springs, this gorgeous ski resort town does have tons within driving distance, thanks to its mid-state location in Summit County.
So no, you don’t have to be in Breck to enjoy these weekend escapes.
We’ll share the drive time from Breckenridge and Denver to each resort, just for your information. Luckily, all are just a day trip away.
Table of Contents
1. Mount Princeton Hot Springs
2. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
3. Cottonwood Hot Springs
4. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
5. Ouray Hot Springs
6. Strawberry Park Hot Springs
7. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
8. The Springs Resort & Spa
1. Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Just an hour-and-a-half drive from Breckenridge, CO, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers many features that make it a must-visit destination.
What’s It Like?
The springs at Mt. Princeton bubble out of the ground at 120-140℉ at the source.
Too hot for your taste? You can also opt to relax in the historic bathhouse, where water temperatures range a balmy 90-105℉.
And if you’re bringing the family along, this is one of the more family-friendly hot springs resorts. In fact, kids adore the freshwater family pool, complete with a waterslide!
What Sets It Apart
This gorgeous resort even boasts creekside springs — where the hot water bubbles up from the river.
If you stay at the resort, you will receive a complimentary pass to the springs to use every day of your stay. Guests who choose to stay elsewhere must purchase a day pass to enjoy access to the springs.
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2. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Set in Glenwood Springs, about a two-and-a-half-hour car ride from Breck and Denver, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is home to “Spa of the Rockies.”
What’s It Like?
You can truly spend a day in geothermic bliss in Glenwood Springs, as nearby Iron Mountain Hot Spring is another popular hot spring option.
In fact, at the time of publication, Glenwood’s Spa of the Rockies is currently closed, while Iron Mountain is open to the public.
So, please be sure to double-check their websites before visiting!
If you can enjoy a day at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, it makes for a fantastic afternoon and is family-friendly, with the world’s largest mineral hot spring pool, kid’s swimming pools, an interactive fountain, and an adventure water slide.
Oh, and don’t worry, they also have a full-service spa and athletic club.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a little quieter by design — with sixteen smaller soaking pools at varying temperatures.
All pools offer views overlooking the Rocky Mountains and the adjacent Colorado River.
What Sets It Apart
Glenwood Springs itself is a sight to behold.
No matter which hot spring you choose (and why not both), the Yampah Spa Vapor Caves make for a contemplative end to a day of relaxation.
These naturally occurring underground steam baths are less than a five-minute walk from the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and about a mile from Iron Mountain.
And if you’ve already had a long day of soaking, tense yourself up all over again at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. As America’s only mountaintop theme park, the stunning views add to the heart-pumping excitement of the rides themselves.
Hmm, on second thought, maybe visit the springs after the theme park!
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3. Cottonwood Hot Springs
Cottonwood Hot Springs is also centrally located, just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Breckenridge and a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver.
It’s also just north of Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Buena Vista, Colorado.
What’s It Like?
Cottonwood’s all-natural hot springs boast a cozy temperature range of about 94-110℉.
The resort also has several massage therapists on call, as well as a boutique gift shop for all the shoppers out there.
When you’re making reservations, you can purchase a day pass that includes access to the springs and the dry sauna.
What Sets It Apart
Keep in mind that this resort takes its healing waters seriously! It’s ideal if you’re only visiting for the wellness aspects and are not on a party weekend.
Alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, and drug use are not permitted on the grounds. If you stay in the resort, the rooms do not include Wi-Fi, a TV, or a phone.
4. Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
Interested in a more arts-oriented escape? Then try the mountain town of Salida, located two hours south of Breckenridge and three hours from Denver.
What’s It Like?
For folks who prefer swimming to soaking, Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is the largest indoor hot spring in North America and has an incredible public pool.
It also has two mineral-rich hot spring pools and several smaller hot springs you can book privately.
This is an actual aquatic center, too, so expect kids’ swim teams and water aerobics classes to be in full swing if you head indoors.
What Sets It Apart
Separate from the Hot Springs Aquatic Center, we love Salida’s distinct vibe.
The city’s other year-round attraction is its famous Certified Creative District in the heart of historic downtown. You can wander into dozens of artist-owned galleries and locally owned retail stores, restaurants, bars, and microbreweries.
And to live up to Salida’s reputation as Outdoor Magazine’s Best Unsung Mountain Town, choose any of the dozen or so trails originating from the Arkansas Hills Trail System, easily accessible from downtown.
If you prefer to appreciate nature from a comfortable distance, head 20 minutes west to the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway. Here, you can overlook this gorgeous region from 11,312 feet above.
Definitely not for the faint of heart, and yet it’s an experience you’ll always treasure.
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5. Ouray Hot Springs
Looking for hot springs that are a little more off the beaten path?
Welcome to Ouray Hot Springs, a nearly five-hour drive from Breckenridge and a six-hour drive from Denver.
What’s It Like?
Ouray’s sulfur-free hot springs are just one beloved aspect of this fascinating historical town, nicknamed the “Switzerland of the Americas” for its alpine setting.
Ouray Hot Springs blends adventure with relaxation. In fact, you can enjoy waterslides, an obstacle course, a pool-bound climbing wall, and exercise pools on its grounds.
While most of Ouray is family-friendly, there are a few quiet soaking springs for adults only.
What Sets It Apart
The city of Ouray is a unique destination itself, with plenty to do and see along Main Street.
Only half a mile from Ouray Hot Springs is the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings, a more intimate hot spring with an outdoor pool, vapor cave, and a privately reservable hot spring with its own waterfall (called “The Lorelei”).
And in case that wasn’t enough hot springs for you, nearby Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs offers 24/7 access to its three pools.
Want to spend more time outdoors? Check out Box Cañon Falls for some easier hikes with stunning views.
Yet, what really sets Ouray apart is its unique and well-preserved history. Take a mule carriage tour of the historic town and check out the preserved former working mine of the seasonal Bachelor Syracuse Mine.
Or, book a private tour of the charming Ouray Alchemist, a Wild-West-inspired pharmacy museum.
6. Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Located in Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is home to luxurious mineral water pools and plenty of self-care treatments to leave you feeling recharged.
It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest from Breckenridge and about four hours from Denver.
What’s It Like?
Strawberry Park’s Hot Springs have an average temperature of about 104℉. Its pools are surrounded by natural rock formations and serene hiking trails.
What Sets It Apart
Strawberry Park Hot Springs has several masseurs on staff. After your hot spring soak, book a massage in a private hut.
Or, stay in the water and enjoy a unique watsu massage, a shiatsu-type massage that incorporates acupressure techniques while you submerge in water.
7. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
A two-hour drive northwest from Denver and a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Breckenridge lies Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa.
What’s It Like?
The resort is home to seven natural springs that range in temperature from 104-126℉, with 21 different pools with a 95-112℉ range.
Aside from the springs themselves, you can enjoy private pool rentals and massage therapy, with Swedish and deep-tissue options.
What Sets It Apart
If you book a stay at the resort, you will receive two complimentary all-day passes to the hot springs. They are only for use on the day you check in and the day you check out.
8. The Springs Resort & Spa
Set in scenic Pagosa Springs, The Springs Resort & Spa is about a four-hour drive south of Breckenridge and five hours from Denver.
What’s It Like?
The Springs is home to the deepest geothermal hot spring and boasts 23 total pools, ranging in temperature from 83°-114° F.
Though a family-friendly destination, there are also several adults-only pools.
And if you’re interested in luxury treatments, this destination has some of the best options. You can book a massage, body treatment, or beauty treatment at the resort!
What Sets It Apart
All pools on the premises are open 24/7, which is not something you’ll find at other hot spring resorts.
Another special attribute of this resort is that you enjoy sensational views of the San Juan Valley and River while soaking.
These awesome Colorado hot spring getaways allow you to soak up (literally) the healing waters, gaze at stunning vistas, and take advantage of resorts that are less popular with tourist crowds.
They’re all perfect for weekend escapes (although you’ll probably want to stay longer!) And after a soak or two in any of these healing mineral hot tubs, you’ll be ready to take on anything the upcoming week throws your way.
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